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Hair, Formaldehyde, and Industrial Hygiene

Even if you’re not particularly fashion conscious, it’s been pretty hard to miss hearing about the Brazilian Blowout smoothing solution over the past year. Imagining a 10% solution of methylene glycol/formaldehyde being applied, dried, and flat-ironed on hair in a salon is enough to make most industrial hygienists cringe. Until recently, comments about the same product from a fashion-conscious, non-industrial hygienist might have been, “I love the product,” or, “It really tames unmanageable hair.”

On January 30, 2012, the California Attorney General announced a settlement with the manufacturer of Brazilian Blowout products that requires the company to warn consumers and hair stylists that two of their most popular hair-smoothing products emit formaldehyde gas. The terms of the settlement require accurate disclosure in material safety data sheets and labels, distribution of precautionary use measures, and cessation of false advertising. Penalties of $600,000 were also imposed on the manufacturer.

Oregon was the first state to address this issue through an award-winning communication campaign. From the very start of this collective response within Oregon in August of 2010 between a salon, the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (now the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences) at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), and Oregon OSHA, the common goal was to ensure that stylists working with Brazilian Blowout and similar hair products were informed about the risks of formaldehyde exposure and the need for proper protection. In the early months of our work, CROET learned that many stylists and salons chose Brazilian Blowout solution because it was advertised and labeled as “formaldehyde free” and “containing no harsh chemicals.” The material safety data sheet listed no hazardous ingredients. Many stylists suffered classic formaldehyde exposure symptoms such as burning eyes, nose and throat, and breathing difficulty, which for some seriously disrupted their ability to continue working in salons where the product was being used. With this California settlement, perhaps now all salons and stylists using this product will more seriously consider the consequences of formaldehyde exposure.

Yes, we can create safe working conditions when working around formaldehyde. The “Hierarchy of Controls,” however, reminds us to first consider removing or substituting hazardous exposures. We know that when we reduce the use of toxic materials in the workplace our costs, represented by what we pay for training, air monitoring, elaborate ventilation systems, personal protective equipment, and ultimately potential health impact, decreases. This has encouraged a move toward the development of safer products in all industries. In September of 2011, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Board determined, based on review of toxicological data, that hair-smoothing products should not contain methylene glycol/formaldehyde because of the increased exposure potential caused by the heat used during the smoothing process. Even with the recent California settlement, those working on campaigns for safer products in cosmetics question why formaldehyde-containing hair smoothers continue to be allowed in the United States, given the CIR determination.

What have we learned during our formaldehyde campaign?

Certainly, we have been reminded of the importance of our almost 30-year-old Hazard Communication Standard. When toxic ingredients are not disclosed, we cannot be protective employers or informed consumers.

We were also made painfully aware that occupational guidelines and standards are very confusing to the public. It is difficult to articulate, for example, that while OSHA fines may not be levied for exposures just below the Permissible Exposure Limits, such concentrations aren’t necessarily “safe.” As health and safety professionals, researchers, and regulators, we need to learn to share messages that are as clear and simple as possible, using our partnerships to help us deliver a consistent message.

And finally, our encounters with social media on this issue reminded us about its power in delivering messages, and the challenges for followers to determine accuracy and truth online. We learned how important it is to connect with key messengers within our stakeholder communities, as we share our message that stylists, like all other employees in all other workplaces, are equally deserving of a healthy and safe workplace.

—Dede Montgomery, MS, CIH

Ms. Montgomery is an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist at the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (CROET) at Oregon Health and Science University. CROET houses the Oregon Healthy Workforce Center, a NIOSH Center of Excellence for a Healthier Workforce.

131 comments on “Hair, Formaldehyde, and Industrial Hygiene”

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Sadly there is a group of disrespected dentists who use formaldehyde in ROOT CANALS and pediatric dentists who use it to treat baby teeth. Myself and another lady were seriously injured from root canals and the dental regulatory boards and FDA know about it and have done nothing. Since it is considered really bad and malpractice most dentists pay off injured patients so the extent is not known. Someone needs to scream this from the mountain tops. Root canals can seemingly be done correctly but problems occur months to years down the road. Anyone up for helping us stop this too? Its scary what people use on us without our knowledge. Thanks.

ABC News has posted one of their reports on YouTube [http://youtu.be/RInKbQ5H8Bo] about Brazilian Blowout. They test the product and talk to an Oregon OSHA scientist about the formaldehyde issue. It’s a nice companion to what Ms. Montgomery has written here.

Thanks for the comment and sharing the link from “Good Morning America.” The GMA interview is of Michael Wood, Administrator of Oregon OSHA filmed at Oregon OSHA’s Lab in Portland. We were all amazed and not fully prepared for the amount of press coverage the issue received in late 2010, running the gamut from the New York and LA Times and NPR, to Cosmopolitan magazine and Inside Edition.

As a Cosmetology instructor , I’m glad to have this information to give to my students who are the new up coming hairdressers. We are all becoming so health conscience, chemicals can be very dangerous to our health. Thankyou for the info. sincerely Brenda Allen

Thanks for your feedback, Brenda. In Oregon and some other states, occupational health specialists have been partnering with cosmetology schools in efforts to ensure that students get information they need to best protect their health on the job. This has included the consultative arm of Oregon OSHA and the Oregon Healthy Nail Collaborative (oregonhealthynailsalons.org). Federal OSHA and NIOSH are also developing good resources. This web page on “Beauty and Salon” (https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-institute-of-occupational-health-sciences/resource-listing/42) is a pretty comprehensive listing of pertinent publications and other organizations doing good work related to healthy salon work.

While I agree that the Good Morning America piece is a good companion to the issues Dede Montgomery discusses, I should probably mention that the Oregon OSHA representative interviewed (me) is not a scientist. That interview, and certainly our later joint report with OHSU’s CROET (the first of the links in the post above), were all based on a sound understanding of the science and solid analytical work by our laboratory (which is nationally accredited and staffed by very capable chemists). But my degree is in English and Political Science. Since that interview aired I have occasionally found myself using the line “I’m not a scientist, but I play one on TV.”

When you say “anti-freeze,” what are you actually seeing on the label?

A common component of anti-freeze is “ethylene glycol,” but I don’t know that it’s using in hair treatments (could well be, I suppose). “Methylene glycol” is the term several companies (including the makers of Brazilian Blowout) prefer to refer to what most of the rest of us would call hydrated formaldehyde or formaldehyde in solution.

Hair detanglers do commonly contain propylene glycol (which is also an ingredient in some anti-freeze). I’d recommend looking at the EWG SkinDeep Database which rates thousands of personal care products based on the potential health impacts of their ingredients.
The database currently rates over 75 detanglers (or similar conditioner products) and includes many alternatives that do not contain propylene glycol The link is: [http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/detangler/]
Interestingly, for the detanglers that do contain propylene glycol, that isn’t generally the most toxic chemical in the product.
Note: The database doesn’t address the effectiveness of the product though, so you’ll have to try out the alternatives to see what works best for your hair.

Thank you Dede for this important post. I’d like to share some helpful resources for finding safer alternatives to chemical straighteners. Here’s a great link on EWG’s website for best options for hair straightening: [http://www.ewg.org/hair-straighteners/our-report/how-to-get-straight-hair-whats-the-best-option/]

For more tips on safer products, also see the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website at [http://www.safecosmetics.org] and EWG’s Skin Deep at [http://www.cosmeticdatabase.org]

Thank you, Kenneth, for asking such an important question. It is possible to protect the stylist by using ventilation systems that capture the hazardous gases and vapors at the source. The salon needs to train their stylists to use the ventilation systems correctly. They also need to provide appropriate hazard communication training, to make sure the stylists are wearing gloves and protective glasses, and to provide for regular maintenance of the ventilation systems. They also should test the air to ensure that everything is working correctly. Salons continuing to use these products need a medical program to be sure that the stylists are not having health symptoms resulting from their exposure. We have concern that months after the initial hazard warnings from OSHA and FDA, few salons are providing systems such as I described above. It is not clear that Salons believe or understand the warnings. It is important to note that salon employees and clients exposed to formaldehyde and methylene glycol may be at risk of developing leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer, which may take years to manifest and may occur without having acute symptoms.

I know that many stylists are using other products that do not contain methylene glycol/formaldehyde, and though they may not work as well or in the same way as methylene glyclo/formaldehyde-containing products, stylists are finding ways to use them successfully.

Most of the information/MSDS regarding safe practices for hair smoothing products includes proper/adequate salon ventilation or local exhaust ventilation but never explains what that means. Opening windows/doors or using fans will only help to circulate the vapors and dusts to the entire salon. Proper/adequate ventilation for salons performing keratin hair smoothing treatments (as well as other salon chemical services such as hair dyes, perms & nail treatments) can be obtained using “salon source capture ventilation” (or sometimes referred to as “chemical source capture ventilation”) to lower the exposure of vapors & dust to the breathing zones of the stylist and client to a safe level.
A great side benefit is they eliminate the majority of odors accompanied by these services. They are portable so it is easy for stylists to split the cost and share one of these systems.
The federal OSHA office continues to investigate the safety of hair smoothing products and is a good source for information. In addition, the Professional Keratin Hair Smoothing Council recently released updated information for stylists doing these treatments.

The comments and research is about the hazards to the salon stylists/employees, but what about the person who is having these products applied directly to their hair and scalp? What is the research indicating for those individuals who have had chemicals or straighteners applied to their hair and scalp over a time span that may exceed 20 or 30 years?

Both NIOSH and the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (CROET) focus on hazards faced by workers, in this case, salon workers who may use these products multiple times a day.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cosmetics, including hair smoothing products if they are marketed on a retail basis to consumers. The following is from the FDA website
FDA’s Advice to Consumers
Skin sensitivity can develop after repeated contact with formaldehyde-related ingredients. When formaldehyde is released into the air it can cause serious irritation of your eyes, nose and lungs. It is recommended that you limit your exposure to products that contain formaldehyde-related ingredients to reduce these health risks.

The salon industry is notorious for having improper ventilation in place to protect salon
workers from overexposure to salon chemical vapors, mists and dusts. An incomplete
understanding of salon ventilation control measures and OSHA regulatory requirements
are factors which often contribute to respiratory illness of hair stylists who are exposed
to airborne chemical contaminants on a daily basis. Recent advancements in salon
ventilation technologies have been introduced to the salon industry, which when used
and maintained properly, can allow salon workers to provide all types of salon chemical
services in a safe working environment without compromising their health.
There are two types of ventilation:
Source capture ventilation is designed to capture salon chemical vapors and dusts at
or near its source, protecting the hair stylists’ breathing zone, and preventing inhalation
of, or dispersing of contaminants into the salon air.
General exhaust ventilation (also called dilution ventilation) is different from source
capture ventilation because instead of capturing emissions at their source and removing
them from the air, general exhaust ventilation allows the chemical vapors & dusts to be
emitted into the salon air and breathing zone of the hair stylist, and then possibly
inhaled into the cosmetologist’s respiratory system. General ventilation then dilutes the
concentration of contaminants to an acceptable level.
Salon ventilation has become a hot topic with the introduction of keratin hair smoothing
services. Formaldehyde vapors are released into the air when heat is applied during
blow drying and flat ironing of the hair, as well as during application of keratin hair
smoothing products which contain formaldehyde releasing ingredients. Repeated
overexposure to formaldehyde vapors can cause “sensory irritation”, (i.e. burning /
watery eyes, scratchy throat and runny nose). Other symptoms may include difficulty
breathing, occupation-related asthma and other related skin allergic sensitivity.

As a person professionally engaged in the sale of cosmetics, I found here really valuable content that I can convey to your customers. Research in the field of cosmetics in Poland are carried out on a smaller scale. With service like this I find really interesting information about the hair.
Hair turns out to be a complex process. Sam I am a distributor of cosmetics, hairdressing

Certainly a fantastic piece of work … It has relevant information. Thanks for posting this. Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.

Warning the public about a product containing formaldehyde is good. But knowing that formaldehyde is a potential carcinogen, why can’t governments ban their use in products. I think banning will force manufactures and chemists to come up with a substitute that will be safer to both humans and the environment.

I’m so glad finally something was done about harmful chemicals/gasses that are used and are omitted by many many products, Hopefully a worldwide ‘standard’ will soon come to be.People need to know and be protected from harmful products.

Thank you very much for this useful information! I am really happy that such a great research has been made. All these chemical that we use trying to look pretty and fabulous, sometimes can lead to the opposite. I gotta admit, that I am a hair junkie. I love to try new products and services, and of course I tied numerous of keratin treatments, until I found out that the one I was using – Brazilian Blowout was sued, because the level of the formaldehyde they claimed was not correct. They said NO formaldehyde, but in fact, there was 10% of it. I still use keratin treatment (not brazilian blowout), because I have crazy hair and keratin treatment is the only thing that helps. After years of researching, I finally was able to find one I really like, and what is more important it is safe! It’s called QOD Keratin. I really-really like it.

As someone who works in the field of industrial hygiene ( I work for us.bureauveritas.com) I have seen so many industries have similar issues with products like the hair industry with the blowout chemicals. I’m happy to see Oregon’s success with getting the information to salons as well as stylists and hope the other states across the nation take the initiative to protect Americans from the formaldehyde gas released from this salon treatment.

WOW! I am a Cosmetologist and I live in Texas. I have heard a lot about the “Brazilian Blow Out” and the lawsuits regarding their safety BUT I had no idea the effects formaldehyde mixed with heat would have. I mean, it doesn’t sound good anyways but I have read some of the comments in here as well, one being that “salon employees and clients exposed to formaldehyde and methylene glycol may be at risk of developing leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer” That alone should be enough reason for it to be completely banned in the United States (everywhere really), we have enough issues with cancer and not understanding where it comes from or how to cure it, why would we purposely cause it all just for the sake of vanity?!? this is really scary stuff, thanks for the education….

The U.S. FDA and Health Canada responded to inquiries regarding hair loss following the use of formaldehyde-containing hair products by consumers. The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization, has also published articles on this topic. This NIOSH blog focuses on the exposures to stylists rather than consumers. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) may be available on-line from the product producer or distributor. The ingredients, such as formaldehyde and methylene glycol, may be listed on the SDS. The product container should also list the ingredients. Unfortunately companies don’t always list all of the active ingredients.

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) may be available on-line from the product producer or distributor. The ingredients, such as formaldehyde and methylene glycol, may be listed on the SDS. The product container should also list the ingredients. Unfortunately companies don’t always list all of the active ingredients.

Extremely useful info. Thanks for sharing the great article. I am dabbling as a hair styling studio owner, so am interested in knowing what are the alternatives to formaldehyde that can be used for mainstream application.

Amazing! I am a Cosmetologist and I live in Texas. I have heard a ton about the “Brazilian Blow Out” and the claims in regards to their security BUT I had no clue the impacts formaldehyde blended with warmth would have. That is to say, it doesn’t sound great at any rate however I have perused a remarks’ portion in here too, one being that “salon workers and customers presented to formaldehyde and methylene glycol may be at danger of creating leukemia and nasopharyngeal growth” That alone ought to be sufficient explanation behind it to be totally banned in the United States (all over truly), we have enough issues with malignancy and not understanding where it originates from or how to cure it, why might we deliberately precipitate it all only for the purpose of vanity?!? this is truly startling stuff, a debt of gratitude is in order for the training…

Formaldehyde is used in the embalming procedure of bodies for medical students to study the human anatomy. It kills and prevents the proliferation of bacteria in the body, and it is used in different parts of the body (gut, and vascular). It should be regulated tightly, as it could cause various problems with ones health.

It is really a nice post. I think this post will definitely help the beginners as well as the experts in this field. This is really informative and interesting. Thank you so much for sharing such a great post with us. Keep it up!!!

The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization, has also published articles on this topic.I’m happy to see Oregon’s success with getting the information to salons as well as stylists and hope the other states across the nation take the initiative to protect Americans from the formaldehyde gas released from this salon treatment.

Congratulations for getting the word out about this harmful practice. Social media is definitely one way to alert the general public, hair dressers and other professionals about such dangerous products and practices. Unless I missed it, I didn’t see the use of video as a tool to get the word out.

If it wasn’t used, I would recommend that the CDC or anyone wanting to relate to today’s audience to use video. Even it’s a ‘talking head’ with someone just speaking directly into the camera, more people are ‘viewers’ more than readers these days. Used with social media, video will get you more viewership and better results. But congrats on a great PR job and on winning your settlement!

Great article, thanks for sharing! Recently one of our OTAs helped a salon owner establish safety rules and redesign a couple areas in their salon to better adhere to OSHA Guidelines and to protect her employees from the dangers you mentioned.

This is great information for the public to get awareness about the effects of chemical products which emits formaldehyde gas.
Its everyone’s responsibility to look after their own health, and this information is very helpful

Thanks alot for getting the word out about this harmful practice. Social media is definitely one way to alert the general public, hair dressers and other professionals about such dangerous products and practices.

Thanks alot for getting the word out about this harmful practice. Social media is definitely one way to alert the general public, hair dressers and other professionals about such dangerous products and practices.

Great post and very informative by the way. You know health should never be compromised with beauty. I believe that rather than worrying about your hair after applying god knows what sort of dangerous chemicals on your hair to make it appear sleek and shiny you can just go back to old school and try on some natural ingredients that doesn’t damage your hair and still makes your hair look great. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post.

Using products even after knowing the danger it contains is equivalent to digging your own grave, whatever products it may be. And coming to your post I really have to thank you for such an informative post. I still remember when my bff used this product for not more than 3 times in a week and found herself losing her hair in a dangerously high amount. Before using any product that actually touches your skin,hair,etc., you should know of all the ingredients involved in it. Some of them can be even life threatening. Thanks for sharing this useful information.

hey very nice article posted by you. your article is too informative. The salon needs to train their stylists to use the ventilation systems correctly. They also need to provide appropriate hazard communication training, to make sure the stylists are wearing gloves and protective glasses, and to provide for regular maintenance of the ventilation systems. They also should test the air to ensure that everything is working correctly. Salons continuing to use these products need a medical program to be sure that the stylists are not having health symptoms resulting from their exposure. We have concern that months after the initial hazard warnings from OSHA and FDA, few salons are providing systems such as I described above. It is not clear that Salons believe or understand the warnings. It is important to note that salon employees and clients exposed to formaldehyde and methylene glycol may be at risk of developing leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer, which may take years to manifest and may occur without having acute symptoms. i got many new things from your article. i conceive you have mentioned some interesting points. keep posting these type of articles. thanks you

Formaldehyde in hair straightening products is still a common problem affecting the health of both stylists and their clients. Despite the public attention this issue has gotten, there has been no subsequent regulation of these products in the United States, and numerous potentially harmful products remain on the market here.

Formaldehyde in hair straightening products is still a common problem affecting the health of both stylists and their clients. Despite the public attention this issue has gotten, there has been no subsequent regulation of these products in the United States, and numerous potentially harmful products remain on the market here.

Thanks alot for getting the word out about this harmful practice. Social media is definitely one way to alert the general public, hair dressers and other professionals about such dangerous products and practices.
thanks again

I am very impressed by your site and your post very nice and I got such a piece of good information on this topic it’s a very interesting one. You made a good site and giving us such a piece of good information on this topic it’s a very interesting one. Thanks for sharing the best posts they amazing. Thank you all.

Thank you very much for the word about this harmful practice. Social media is definitely a way of alerting the general public, hairdressers and other professionals about such hazardous products and practices.
Thanks again……………..

Using products even after knowing the danger it contains is equivalent to digging your own grave, whatever products it may be. And coming to your post I really have to thank you for such an informative post. I still remember when my bff used this product for not more than 3 times in a week and found herself losing her hair in a dangerously high amount. Before using any product that actually touches your skin,hair,etc., you should know of all the ingredients involved in it. Some of them can be even life threatening. Thanks for sharing this useful information.

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